African Wax Prints (Panels)

One feature of this materials is the lack of difference in the colour intensity of front & back side. The wax prints are a way of communication among African women. Even though Ankara fabrics are associated with the African culture, it’s origins are not entirely African. Dutch wax prints started out as mass produced imitations of Indonesian batik fabric. It was originally intended for the Indonesian market but found a more enthusiastic market in West Africa, where it quickly became a symbol of social, political and personal status. It symbolises traditional and high quality fashion. Over time, the prints become more African-inspired, and African-owned by the mid-1900s. Some of the producers of African wax print are Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria. From West Africa, this fabric spread to other parts of Africa and all over the world.